21/06/2009  Shatin  Race 6

When the gates opened, NEEDLES AND THREAD lifted its front feet off the ground and as a consequence was slow to begin. KENOBE was slow into stride. DYNAMIC began awkwardly and blundered. GOLDEN TREASURE began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall, then making the first turn when being held wide by SUPER CAGA was steadied. GOLDEN TREASURE then commenced to hang out. After entering the Back Straight, PRETTY TOUCH hung in. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, KENOBE, which was racing tight inside AMPLE GAINS, was steadied away from the heels of VICTORY TREASURE which got its head on the side, shifted in and bumped the running rail. After the 500 Metres and again at the 400 Metres, STILTON was bumped and carried wider by AMPLE GAINS which was shifting out to find clear running. For a considerable distance after the 200 Metres, NEEDLES AND THREAD and KENOBE were held up and unable to improve inside SUPER CAGA which was giving ground. In the Straight, VICTORY TREASURE hung in. When questioned, K T Yeung (SUPER CAGA) explained he had been instructed to lead, the same as when the horse was successful at its most recent race start. He said SUPER CAGA began only fairly, however, did not show natural speed and because of this he rode his mount along in an endeavour to cross runners drawn to his inside. He said making the first turn SUPER CAGA hung out and because of this continued to race wide on the track. He said after the 1200 Metres he allowed SUPER CAGA to continue forward, initially to cross to race outside MIGHTY SUN, then after the 1000 Metres rode his mount along to go forward, cleared MIGHTY SUN and crossed to the rail. He said after this he steadied the tempo on SUPER CAGA. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight SUPER CAGA did not respond to his riding. K T Yeung was told his riding in the early stages and until the 800 Metres in the opinion of the Stewards lacked judgement given the amount of use he made of his mount. He was further told in similar circumstances regardless of the instructions he has been issued, he would be expected to use initiative. NEEDLES AND THREAD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race did not show any significant findings. STILTON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, STILTON was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained a bruise to its left stifle, resulting in the horse being mildly lame in the left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, STILTON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AMPLE GAINS and AMAZING CHOICE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CHINA LUJIA had bled from both nostrils.